Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park

Set on the wild and windswept Tasman Peninsula, the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park is the best place on the planet to get up close with the iconic Tasmanian devil. This isn't a zoo in the traditional sense – it's a sanctuary dedicated to saving these endangered marsupials from the devastating facial tumour disease. The park sits on a hilltop with sweeping views of Pirates Bay, adding a dramatic backdrop to the experience. Beyond the devils, you'll meet a menagerie of native wildlife and soak up a conservation story that's both sobering and inspiring.

Highlights & What to See

• Devil feeding shows – Watch these feisty creatures squabble and screech over their dinner. Keepers explain the park's breeding program and the fight against DFTD.
• Nocturnal house – See quolls, bandicoots and potoroos in a twilight setting, plus the rare eastern barred bandicoot.
• Birds of prey display – Wedge-tailed eagles, falcons and owls swoop overhead in a free-flight demonstration that thrills adults and kids alike.
• Kangaroo and wallaby walkthrough – Hand-feed friendly Forester kangaroos and Bennett's wallabies in a large enclosure with stunning coastal views.
• Devil's Den – A glass-fronted viewing tunnel that puts you eye-to-eye with devils as they burrow and play.
• Tasmanian devil joey encounters – During breeding season (Dec–Mar), you can sometimes see tiny joeys in pouches or wobbling alongside their mothers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for a relaxed 2–3 hours. The park is compact, but the keeper talks and feeding sessions are spaced out – check the daily schedule on arrival to time your visit around the devil and bird shows. If you're on a day trip from Hobart, aim to arrive by mid-morning; that gives you time to enjoy the park before exploring the Tasman Peninsula's other attractions. The cafe here serves decent coffee and has a deck with those million-dollar views, so don't rush off.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Arthur Historic Site – Just 15 minutes south, this UNESCO-listed penal settlement is a must-see. Combine both in one day for a powerful history-and-wildlife double.
• Tasman National Park – Dramatic sea cliffs, natural arches and the famous Tessellated Pavement. Drive the short loop to Waterfall Bay and Remarkable Cave.
• Eaglehawk Neck – The narrow isthmus connecting the Tasman Peninsula to the mainland, with the convict-built Dog Line and the blowhole at nearby Tasman Arch.
• Port Arthur Lavender Farm – A fragrant stop between the park and Port Arthur, with lavender ice cream and fields of purple blooms in summer.
• Hobart – The state capital is an hour's drive away, offering MONA, Salamanca Market and excellent dining – base yourself here for a couple of days.

Please check official sources for current details.